National Sport

Williams set to retain Bottas

Bottas has enjoyed a stellar second season in Formula One, notably finishing on the podium four times in the last five races, although a maiden victory continues to elude him.

With the Finn fifth in the drivers' standings, just 11 points adrift of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, such eye-catching form would ensure he is being watched closely by rival teams.

Bottas, though, does not see any reason to change now when Williams are enjoying a revival this year following a long period in the doldrums.

"Personally I don't see a reason to look around at this moment," said Bottas.

"But it's too early to say. It's better to wait for confirmation, and we will speak when we have something to say."

Believing it to be a team "not at its peak yet", Bottas can only sense the Grove-based marque continuing on its upward path at present.

"I really think the direction is right, and I'm confident this team can still be better than what we've seen this year," added Bottas.

"So that's why I'm really confident here with me continuing."

As for beyond next year when it appears certain top seats may become available, Bottas is leaving such long-range plans to his advisers.

"I have a good few guys behind me thinking about those things so I should not really plan that far away," said Bottas.

"I should just focus on this moment, this year, then once we know what's going to happen next year we can focus for that, and then we'll see."

Ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, a power circuit that will undoubtedly suit Williams, they will again be expected to challenge the dominance of Mercedes.

For Bottas, another podium is again on the cards as he said: "Monza could be a great track for our car.

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"It's important to have good straight-line speeds as it has some very quick straights.

"We have a track-specific aero package we will take, and combine that with the strong power-unit and we could have a very competitive weekend."

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